Belovezhskaya Pushcha – unique remnants of prehistoric forests

Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the main sights of the Republic of Belarus. It is well known not only in the territory of the former USSR countries, but also all over the world.

This primeval forest, miraculously preserved to this day, with an area of more than 161 thousand hectares, occupies part of the territories of Poland and Belarus. In this article I will tell you more about this wonderful place.

Details about the reserve

As I have already said, Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a remnant of a relict primeval forest. Many thousands of years ago the whole territory of Europe was covered with such a forest, but only this piece of it has survived to our days.

Since the reserve occupies two countries at once, it has not developed quite evenly. The Białowieża Biosphere Reserve has been functioning in Poland since 1976 and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha Biosphere Reserve in Belarus since 1993. Together they are included in the UN World Heritage List under the name of Bialowieza Forest.

Despite the flat terrain of the area, the forest here is notable. Various rivers flow through the reserve, including the Nerev.

There are over 900 species of vegetation that grows here and does wonders in this soil.

As scientists have calculated, the average age of local trees is more than 80 years. There are also old-timers, 250 – 350 years old. Some oaks are up to 600 years old.

There are more than a thousand real trees – giants, the diameter of some of which reaches one and a half meters and the height of 50 meters.

In addition to the incredibly rich vegetation, we can also talk about the fauna of the area. There are 59 species of mammals, more than two hundred birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates in the natural environment.

Walking around the park, one can meet deer, elk and roe deer, wild boars and foxes, badgers and wolves. A huge number of local residents are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus.

The area is particularly famous for being home to the world’s largest population of bison.

History of the Reserve

The reserve has a very long history. The untouched forests in this area are mentioned in the annals of 983. Vladimir Monomakh lived here.

In 1276, Prince Vladimir Volynsky founded the fortress city of Kamyanets here. Then this area passed into the possession of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and then into the Kingdom of Poland.

One of the first attempts to create a protected forest complex here belonged to the Polish king Jagailo, who forbade everyone but himself and his close associates to hunt here, but at the same time caused irreparable damage to the animal population during hunts. For example, by 1705 all deer had been destroyed.

During the time the territory was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, it continued to serve as a territory for royal hunting. And after it was taken over by Russia in 1795 by Catherine the Great, any hunting was allowed to any inhabitants. The only thing was that bison could not be shot.

Tsar Alexander I finally bans bison hunting and imports deer from Germany for breeding and hunting.

Alexander III, in his turn, included the territory into the ownership of the royal family and built the Palace in Belovezh. Here Nicholas II organized incredibly lavish and pompous hunts.

After the outbreak of World War I, the area was occupied by German troops. The Germans began to destroy the flora of the reserve by laying a narrow-gauge railway all the way to Germany and exporting valuable timber species.

By the end of the war, bison, fallow deer and other species had been exterminated here. After the forest was taken over by Poland, exploitation and deforestation continued unabated.

And so, in the 1920s, nature protection actions began to emerge in these places. First, a forestry was established with an absolutely protected area of 1061 hectares. Then, in 1932, the “National Park in Bialowieza” was established with an area of 4693 hectares, and activities to restore the population of bison, deer, wild boar and roe deer began.

In 1939 the territory was seized by the USSR and became part of the Belarusian Republic. It was at this time that the “Belovezhskaya Pushcha” was created. However, the plans were partially hindered by the German attack on the USSR, because as a result of the establishment of the post-war border, part of the protected areas, together with the village of Belovezhskaya Pushcha and the bison nursery, went to Poland.

The Soviet authorities and scientists had to carry out enormous activities to recreate the losses. A new nursery was built, to which colleagues from Poland kindly donated 5 heads of bison. The base for scientific work was being created again. But all this was overcome and from that time a new stage in the development of the reserve began.

It gained additional fame on December 8, 1992, when an agreement was signed in Belovezhskaya Pushcha on the creation of the CIS (Union of Independent States) after the collapse of the USSR. Unfortunately, the project still exists more on paper, and therefore its signing is rarely remembered in this area.

Main Attractions

First of all, Belovezhskaya Pushcha is nature. Grandiose, untouched forests spread for hundreds of kilometers around and it is an incomparable pleasure. Here you can walk endlessly, listening to birds singing, enduring the bites of hordes of mosquitoes… Stopping for small breaks with a snack and then moving on. When we were here last time, we were caught in a heavy rain. And here we were riding in this rain: warm, summer rain…. Not paying attention to the punctured tire of the bike… And we laughed uncontrollably, happy and enjoying this place.

Of course, the animals are also a very entertaining part of any trip to this reserve. There’s a lot to see here! Both peaceful animals and predators can be found along the way. You just have to be quiet and watch carefully. No – no, yes a wild boar will flash before your eyes, a deer will run out to meet you…. And maybe you will be lucky to meet a real bison!

Apart from this, you can also visit a number of other attractions of the place.

Museum of Nature

One of the most visited museums in Belarus, which has one of the richest collections of flora and fauna. Although the basis, of course, is fauna. There are 5 halls (3 large and 2 small), the total area of which is 1320 m². Stuffed animals and models of animals perfectly show all the diversity of the animal world that inhabits this area, as well as its representatives, which, unfortunately, have long since disappeared.

Due to modern technologies, the museum creates an additional immersion: photos and videos, dioramas, sounds of nature…. All of this helps to plunge into the atmosphere and enjoy the exposition.

A museum complex, the purpose of which was to show the everyday life of ordinary residents of different periods. The collection includes various tools and utensils, without which the existence of a villager of those years was unthinkable.

Visitors to the museum will be able to study the main nuances of housing and life, clothing and culture. The museum is based on a real old manor house. It has been restored, renovated and now, as well as its contents, fully corresponds to the dwelling of 19th century Belarusians.

Santa Claus Residence

The Belarusians decided to keep up with Finland and created their own Santa Claus residence right in Belovezhskaya Pushcha. This manor occupies 15 hectares and is made by masters of wood in such an incredibly beautiful style that it really creates a feeling of being in a fairy tale.

Moreover, Belarusian Santa Claus waits for his guests all the year round, not only for New Year celebrations. He gladly welcomes visitors, listens to their wishes and gives presents.

However, the estate looks especially fabulous, of course, in winter, covered with snow and illuminated with thousands of lights and garlands. Therefore, if you go here, it is during the New Year holidays! And in other season of the year, you can even write a letter to Santa Claus, as he receives and answers correspondence at the following address: 225063, Republic of Belarus, Brest region, Kamenets district, a.g. Kamenyuki. Kamenyuki. To Belarusian Santa Claus.

Excursion enclosures

If you don’t manage to see any of the forest’s inhabitants during your walk, don’t despair. There are 20 hectares of excursion enclosures at your disposal, where you can admire real wolves, bears, wild boars and other inhabitants of the protected area. In addition to locals, you can also meet “emigrants”, including ostriches, ponies, fallow deer, etc.

But the real “heroes of the program” are bison, the symbols of the reserve. These guys lived back in the times of mammoths, and therefore deserve special attention.

Tourist information

Where to stay

You can come to Belovezhskaya Pushcha for a day. Leaving Brest, for example, you will get to the entrance very quickly and after spending a whole day there you will return back.

That said, it’s worth noting that the area is truly magnificent. Therefore, it is not surprising that many people want to live nearby and enjoy the nature.

If you have such plans – then hotels and estates nearby are a great option. The official website says that there are a number of hotels nearby where you can stay.

At the same time, there is no possibility to rent a dacha or a house on the territory of the reserve itself, as it is a completely protected area. In the same way, it is not allowed to camp here, build a fire and so on. Those who really want to – you can use special places for rest.

Recreational facilities are available within the park:

1. On Lake Planta – 16 rubles per day.
2. At Tsarskaya Polyana – 3 rubles for 6 hours per person
3. At Lava Lake – 16 rubles per day
4. On the lake Pererovskoye – 16 rubles per day.

In addition to renting sites, you can rent tents, sleeping bags and other equipment. Campfires are also allowed in these areas.

• Rental of a double tent with mats – 2.5 rubles per day.
• Rental of a four-seater tent with mats – 4 rubles per day.
• Sleeping bag rental – 2 Belarusian rubles per day.
• Firewood for a fire of 0.1 cubic meters costs 1.50 rubles.
• Charcoal for grilling costs 0.5 rubles per kilogram.

There are a few hotels nearby that allow online reservations. I have posted them below.

Working hours

• Reserve ticket office: 09:00 - 18:00, daily, without lunch break.
• Nature Museum: open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily.
• Touring aviaries: available from 09:00 to 20:00 daily.
• Santa's Manor: 09:00 to 18:00 daily.
• Bicycle rental: from 09:00 to 18:00 (do not recommend using!)
• See below >> for border crossing opening hours

How to get there

In order to get to Belovezhskaya Pushcha, you should first of all go to Brest. This is the best point of departure.

By bus

Buses run from the bus station of Brest. Route: Brest - Belovezhskaya Pushcha.

It leaves Brest at 7.00, 8.30, 10.40, 13.00, 14.00, 16.30, 17.15.

Return from the forest departure at: 6.10, 8.10, 10.00, 12.10, 14.10, 16.00, 18.00, 18.20.

I recommend booking tickets online in advance, as we had to go back standing up, which is quite uncomfortable. You can do this at ticketbus.by

By car

It is easy to get there by car. Coordinates for navigator: 52°34.161´, 23°48.174´

• From Brest: on the Brest - Kamenyuki (R 83) highway - 55 km.
• From Minsk: take the Brest - Brest highway (M 1) to the turn-off to Zhabinka (R 7) to Kamenets and further to the village of Zhabinka. Kamenyuki (R 83).
• From Minsk: take the Brest-Brest highway (M 1) to the turn-off for Slonim (R 21) to Kamenets and then to the village of Slonim. Kamenyuki (R 83).

Prices

Now about the prices. I give them in new Belarusian rubles (BYN).

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Contacts

Mailing address:

225063, Republic of Belarus, Brest region, Kamenets district, Kamenyuki ag.

tel. 8-01631-5-61-69 (reception), fax. 8-01631-5-66-56

e-mail: admin@npbp.by, npbpby@rambler.ru

Mode of operation:

Mon-Fri: 8-00 to 17-00, lunch 12-00 to 13-00

Sat, Sunday: day off

Official Website: http://npbp.by/

Something to keep you busy

You know... Belovezhskaya Pushcha is something. To begin with, before I proceed to the continuation of the narration about this wonderful place - I recommend you to get acquainted with the incredible movie about the reserve, which will hardly leave you indifferent and convince you that it is definitely worth visiting!

What to do - everyone will probably answer for himself. I have seen buses, cars and steam trains riding here. However, I think that this is not the best way to spend time in such a place.

If you have the strength and health - don't deny yourself the pleasure, go hiking or biking. And if you can - take a tent and stay overnight, spend time under the stars by the fire with your family or friends.

The only thing I would like to point out is the issue of bicycle rental. The fact is that the reserve provides bicycle rental services, but in 2016, when we took bicycles there, they were all not just in a state of disrepair, but as if they had been brought from a landfill. They lurch, they shake, they squeak. They have damaged wheels, flat tires, and generally... What I'm saying is. If possible, bring your own bike. Or rent one in the nearest town. But don't risk it here.

If you suddenly want to rent on the spot, an adult will cost you 15 rubles for 4 hours, and a teenager - 10.5. In my opinion, they are not worth that much in this condition.

In addition, to note an important nuance. There is no infrastructure for cyclists along the entire route. You will not be able to repair a tire or inflate wheels anywhere. Therefore, a minimum repair kit and a pump should be with you, and I strongly recommend to pour anti-puncture in the wheels.

Border crossing

As I have already mentioned, the state border passes right through the reserve. Therefore, if you want to visit both parts, you can use the border crossing, which is located on the territory of the reserve.

The checkpoint "Pererov - Bialowieza" is working:

• October 1 through March 31 09:00 to 19:00.
• April 1 through September 30 09:00 to 21:00.

The bus to Kamenyuka, to the entrance to the Pushcha from the checkpoint leaves at 11:00 and 18:30. From Kamenyuka to the checkpoint leaves at 10:30 and 18:00.

The time indicated is Minsk time.

In addition to the bus, you can cross the border on foot or by bicycle. There is no possibility to cross the border by car.

Belarus - Poland

For citizens of Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other countries that require a visa to Schengen countries, it is necessary to obtain it in advance at the embassy or use a valid Schengen multivisa.

Citizens of the EU, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, USA and other states that do not require a visa to visit the EU can pass the border only with a valid passport and travel insurance.

Poland - Belarus

If you are a citizen of CIS countries, you can enter Belarus simply with a passport. No additional documents are required.

For tourists from other countries, including: USA, Poland, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, France and others, who need a visa to enter the Republic of Belarus, have the opportunity to enter the territory of the Belarusian part of the reserve from Poland without a visa. For this purpose, it is necessary to issue an electronic permit in advance.

Visa-free entry

So, any foreign citizens who want to enter Belarus to visit the Belovezhskaya Pushcha Park can get an electronic permit and not get a visa.

That said, this resolution does not allow:

1. Staying of a foreigner on the territory of Belarus for more than 3 days
2. Leave the territory of the reserve and go beyond the boundaries of the designated visa-free zone
3. Cross the border at any other border points.

Otherwise, if you are not satisfied with these restrictions - you can apply for a tourist visa to Belarus in advance.

If citizens of your country don't need a visa - none of the above applies to you.

To obtain an electronic permit, you need to accept all agreements and fill out a special form at this link (there is a language switch at the top right, for English, Polish and Russian).

In addition to the permit itself, this page will allow you to order and pay:

• Excursions
• Accommodation
• Bicycle rental
• Audio guide rental
• Entrance ticket to the museum

If you do not need all the additional services, then the electronic permit will cost you only 10 new Belarusian rubles (approximately 5 US dollars). Payment is accepted with Visa, MasterCard and Belkart payment cards online.

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This is the end of the description of Belovezhskaya Pushcha. I will soon supplement it with video materials, maps and other useful information!